Q: What are the factor combinations of the number 288,941?
A:
Positive:
1 x 288941113 x 2557
Negative:
-1 x -288941-113 x -2557
A:
Positive:
1 x 288941113 x 2557
Negative:
-1 x -288941-113 x -2557
Unfortunately, there's not simple formula to identifying all of the factors of a number and it can be a tedious process when trying to identify the divisors of larger numbers. To find the factor combinations of the number 288,941, it is easier to work with a table - it's called factoring from the outside in.
We start by creating a table and writing 1 on the left side and then the number we're trying to find the factors for on the right side in a table. Then, below that, write the numbers as a negative as well.
1 | 288,941 | |
-1 | -288,941 |
When you multiply two negative numbers together, you get a positive number. That means both the positive and negative numbers are factors of 288,941.
Example:
1 x 288,941 = 288,941
and
-1 x -288,941 = 288,941
Notice both answers equal 288,941
With that explanation out of the way, let's continue. Next, we take the number 288,941 and divide it by 2:
288,941 ÷ 2 = 144,470.5
If the quotient is a whole number, then 2 and 144,470.5 are factors. In this case, the quotient is not a whole number. Don't write anything down and try the next divisor.
Here is what our table should look like at this step:
1 | 288,941 | |
-1 | -288,941 |
Now, we try dividing 288,941 by 3:
288,941 ÷ 3 = 96,313.6667
If the quotient is a whole number, then 3 and 96,313.6667 are factors. In this case, the quotient is not a whole number. Don't write anything down and try the next divisor.
Here is what our table should look like at this step:
1 | 288,941 | |
-1 | -288,941 |
Let's try dividing by 4:
288,941 ÷ 4 = 72,235.25
If the quotient is a whole number, then 4 and 72,235.25 are factors. In this case, the quotient is not a whole number. Don't write anything down and try the next divisor.
Here is what our table should look like at this step:
1 | 288,941 | |
-1 | 288,941 |
If you did it right, you will end up with this table:
1 | 113 | 2,557 | 288,941 |
-1 | -113 | -2,557 | -288,941 |
Here are some more numbers to try:
Try the factor calculator